Lallen

For pure inspiration, "This is the Sea" series of videos are really fun. Not so much instructional but they are great for fueling the addiction...

Uh oh, Brenda. Recognize the signs and symptoms and seek professional help immediately! You have also seen what happens when the addiction strikes other skiers... Google the Hurricane Riders for some kayak porn.

Quick Google search shows a Margaritas restaurant in Lexington. Probably the closest Mexican restaurant near Walden. Does that work for folks? We could eat tacos AND drink Margaritas...

Another lovely trip report, Pru! You do have a knack for them. So sorry to hear your news about your friend. My best wishes will be with you and her, as she faces whatever comes next...

When you've thoroughly researched all options, please get a pair for me, too. With my sun history and coloring, I'm a prime candidate for skin cancer if I am not more careful to protect...

Katherine, thank you for organizing, ordering up such lovely weather, and for writing the trip report! Fun day on the water.

Totally agree better to train hard and practice in conditions when not under duress so you have the skills should you find yourself in a situation where you need to use those skills! And, as you point out, we do not know the circumstances surrounding the video. My only point was that when doing a landing in a no landing zone, you don't always have to choose the most Rambo route. It is a potentially high consequence scenario, so check out all the options to find the best route. You of course know this, Rick so I may be preaching to the choir...

I must admit I did agree with Ed Lawson in watching that particular landing site and video. Wondered if there might have been a quieter, better option on the other side of the rock... Maybe not, and maybe the choice of that site was specific and for a reason. That being said, was there another safer option to land on?

Have fun, Rick! St. Kilda looks amazing and even if it is cheating the power boat is probably the best way to do that one!

Rick, you lucky duck-Outer Hebrides is definitely one on my bucket list! Agree those landings are fun. And Rob and Andy are fortunate to have you offering to guide them, since they are definitely places where boats and bodies can get broken, too!

Awesome, Brenda!

I have the Expedition. Love both the hood and the arm pocket. Don't use the hood all that often, but when the weather is nasty, sure do appreciate it! It folds up easily and stays nice and compact when not in use, so I don't find it bothersome...

Hi Andy, I don't have a preference on which to use in conditions, as I have used both the Cowgirl and re-enter and roll successfully. Sometimes it depends on what's causing the conditions though. I've used re-enter and roll in surf/dumping waves where I'm not sure how well the Cowgirl would have worked. On the other hand, the Cowgirl has worked in a tide race and near rocks. I have tried one method, failed, and switched to the other with success. Which may have had as much to do with where my head is at on a particular day as conditions... But, it is also why I like having multiple tools in the arsenal. If I blow my roll, I try one thing, if that doesn't work, I try another...

June 18th works, Jason! Will check to see if my better half wants to join us, too. Anyone else who wants to practice Taco Rolls and other Stupid Kayak Tricks followed by eating Taco Rolls is welcome, too!

Leon, the top one in the video you posted is it. Taco roll as I just learned it is when both legs stay on same side and seat goes in by rolling into the cockpit from the back deck. The other one where you straddle the boat, then scootch down until your butt is in the seat is what I always knew as the cowgirl/cowboy. Jason, you're on! When are we gping?

Jason, are you trying to take away my excuses for not deciding to go for it? :-)

Gene and Robin, You are correct that a plastic boat is highly desirable for such a landing. However, should you acquire one, make sure your paddling companions have them as well. When I've practiced in no landing zones, he/she who has the plastic boat is usually the one sent in first to land as probe... :-)

LOL! So much support from the Peanut Gallery! Will you all officially please get your 4*s so you can volunteer to be practice students if and when I decide to go for the 5*? With you all at my side, success would be palpable!

Oh Pru, if only it were that easy! And Warren, thank you for your kind words as well. I rest my case about my AWESOME cheer leading squad :-)

Thanks for the kind words and vote of confidence, Kate. You and Pru and others in this community (including my spouse) are such awesome cheerleaders for something I have not yet determined is even a goal I aspire to!

Jason, let's plan to meet at Walden sometime soon and I'll show it to you! Let's see if I can manage to successfully get myself back in without continuing to roll over... We can see if there's a Chipolte nearby for a PPPO!

Yup, the second video is definitely a 5* training type of landing. Andy, are you planning to work with John Carmody this summer? Would be a really good choice for you given your sense of adventure. He'll put you through your paces and challenge you while also keeping you safe.

Leon, your first pics just made me hungry. Second description was correct-it is a variation of the scramble.

I am hoping to make at least some Wednesdays again, too. Feeling the need to go throw myself over and upside down to see if I can right myself. Plus, I learned a new self rescue recently (called a Taco Roll), that I managed to do once in flat water successfully. Need more practice though, since I promptly kept on rolling right over when I tried it in conditions...

Katherine, what do you mean you have me beat by 15 years?! Unless you are much older than I think, I believe it's only 5! Though people often place me at a decade earlier than I actually am...